Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has confirmed he is in fact wearing a bodysuit for the live-action Moana movie after leaked set photos sparked speculation that the WWE star had bulked up for the role.
Johnson reprises his role as demigod Maui in the live-action adaptation of Disney’s hugely popular 2016 animated film.
Recently leaked set photos revealed Johnson as Maui for the first time, with many wondering whether the famously bulked up Hollywood star had bulked up even more for the role.
But speaking to Extra, Johnson confirmed he is in fact wearing a bodysuit, although he sounded pleased at the idea that some thought he might have been able to hit the physique shown in the set photos.
“That’s a suit that took a long time to put on,” he said. “So, I’m so happy you said, ‘You bulked up,’ because when you say, ‘You bulked up,’ that means you couldn’t tell.”
He added: “That is a couple of hours every day of transforming, putting that on. We shot outside and when those pictures surfaced, I was like, ‘Sh*t, we got caught, ’cause we were putting up, like, walls so there was no paparazzi. But they got into boats and started shooting pictures.”
In addition to Johnson, Disney has cast Australian actress Catherine Laga’aia to star as Moana in the movie, which comes out July 10, 2026. Auli’i Cravalho, who voiced Moana in the 2016 animated film, revealed on Instagram in May 2023 that she would not reprise her role but would serve as an executive producer for the remake.
Meanwhile, the animated sequel, Moana 2, hits theatres this week and is expected to break box office records. Check out IGN’s Moana 2 review for more.
Photo by Darryl Oumi/Getty Images.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
